Last updated: 2 October 2026
Quick Answer: A Class 3 DSC is India's highest-assurance digital signature certificate, applied for online through a certifying authority licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). You use it to sign GST, MCA, income tax and e-tender filings. Most applicants verify with Aadhaar eKYC, usually plus a live video; it sits on a USB token and lasts up to three years.
The Class 3 DSC meaning, in plain words: your signature in electronic form, recognised under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and locked to a token only you hold. CCA doesn't sell certificates; licensed certifying authorities (CAs) do.
At a glance: Class 3 DSC
| Detail | What applies |
|---|---|
| Issued by | CCA-licensed certifying authorities |
| Used for | GST · MCA · income tax returns · e-tenders |
| Types | Signing only, or signing plus encryption |
| Validity | Up to 3 years (CCA certificate policy) |
| Token | Hardware USB crypto token, in your custody |
| Verification | Aadhaar biometric eKYC; Aadhaar OTP plus live video; or paper form with in-person or video check |
| Price | Set by each CA; depends on validity, token and type |
Short on time? Jaagruk Bharat's team can handle the DSC application for you, through the help box further down.
What is a Class 3 DSC?
A Class 3 digital signature certificate is the top assurance level of DSC in India. It proves who signed an electronic document, and a CA issues it only after checking your identity to CCA's strictest standard.
CCA's classes of certificates page lists those checks: Aadhaar eKYC biometric, Aadhaar OTP plus video, or a paper form with an in-person or video check. The key must sit on a validated hardware device, never in software. For DSC basics, see our digital signature certificate guide, or browse more documents and licensing guides.
Who needs a Class 3 DSC for GST, MCA, income tax and e-tenders?
Companies, LLPs, audited taxpayers and tender bidders need one, because their filings must carry a DSC. Most individuals can sign their own returns with an Aadhaar OTP or EVC instead.
| Portal | When a DSC is required |
|---|---|
| GST portal | Companies and LLPs must sign GST registration and other applications with a DSC |
| MCA21 | All company and LLP filings, signed by the authorised person (Class 2 or above) |
| Income Tax Department e-filing | Companies, political parties and taxpayers whose accounts need an audit; optional for others |
| Central e-tendering portal | Class 3 DSC for tender e-filing by bidders |
So a DSC for GST is a must for a company or LLP. A DSC for income tax is compulsory only for companies, political parties and audited accounts; for everyone else, a digital signature for income tax is optional. Setting up a company? Get the DSC first, because its GST registration application can't be signed without one.
Signing-only or signing plus encryption: which do you need?
Most people need signing only. That covers GST, MCA and income tax filings, where you sign a document but don't encrypt it.
Pick signing plus encryption only if a portal or tender asks for an encryption certificate. CCA's FAQ keeps the two separate: the signing key never leaves the token, while you must back up the encryption key. The central eProcure portal tells department users to hold both key pairs, so check your tender notice before buying a DSC for e-tender work.
How long is a Class 3 DSC valid, and do you need a USB token?
A Class 3 DSC is valid for up to three years, and yes, you need a USB token. CCA's certificate policy caps a personal signing certificate at three years; you pick the validity when you apply.
Every Class 3 digital signature key is generated on a crypto token validated to FIPS 140-2 level 2 or 3, kept by you. A DSC USB token is a one-time buy you can reuse. Forgot the PIN? The token has to be formatted, and the CA then re-issues the certificate for the remaining validity, free at least once.
Nearing expiry? Our guide to renewing or changing a digital signature certificate walks through it.
How do you apply for a Class 3 DSC online?
To get a digital signature certificate online, apply through a CCA-licensed certifying authority and verify your identity with Aadhaar eKYC, usually followed by a live video. CCA's how-to-get-a-DSC page links the official list of licensed CAs.
- Decide what you need: Class 3, signing or signing plus encryption, and the validity.
- Choose a licensed CA from CCA's list and start the application on its site.
- Complete eKYC: Aadhaar OTP, Aadhaar biometric, or a paper form with attested documents. Aadhaar needs no extra documents.
- Add your PAN if you want it in the certificate. The CA verifies it first.
- Record the video verification inside the CA's app when asked.
- Pay the CA's fee and generate the key on your USB token.
- Register the DSC on each portal you'll use, such as GST and income tax e-filing.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Buying signing plus encryption when your filings only need signing.
- Registering a DSC whose PAN differs from the authorised signatory's PAN on the GST portal.
Prefer to apply DSC online with someone handling the paperwork?
Get it done for you
- We fill the DSC application and choose the right class and type with you.
- We guide you through the eKYC and video verification steps.
- We track the request and help you register the DSC on your portals.
What does a Class 3 DSC cost, and what changes the price?
There is no government list for the DSC Class 3 price: each licensed CA sets its own, and CCA says prices may vary from CA to CA. Three things move the bill.
| Factor | How it changes the price |
|---|---|
| Validity | Longer validity (up to 3 years) usually costs more than a shorter one |
| USB token | A one-time cost; you pay less if you already own a valid token |
| Type | Signing plus encryption usually costs more than signing only |
That's why a "class 3 DSC price for 2 years" search shows so many numbers. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs splits DSC costs into token, issuance and renewal, so when comparing Class 3 DSC charges, check whether the token is included. Jaagruk Bharat's DSC service shows its fee for your chosen certificate at the payment step.
